Minister of State for Disabilities, Finian McGrath, must intervene “immediately” to close Áras Attracta, a HSE-managed care facility for adults with intellectual disabilities in Swinford, Co Mayo, according to Inclusion Ireland. The national lobby group representing people with intellectual disabilities condemned management at Áras Attracta following publication of a report on Wednesday finding multiple failures to improve safety and quality of life of the 86 residents there. The Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) has given the HSE a final warning to improve conditions or face closure by February. Áras Attracta has been at the centre of concerns about treatment of residents since an undercover investigation of conditions there was broadcast by RTÉ’s Prime Time Investigates in December 2014. In May, however, there was a “significant deterioration in the safety arrangements and quality of life experienced by most residents”.

Source: The Irish Times November 29, 2017 11:03 UTC